Carnival Cruise Line reveals names of new Excel class ships
Carnival Cruise Line has unveiled the names of its fourth and fifth Excel class ships amid the confirmation of its five-year strategic growth plan
The first new addition to the Excel class will be named Carnival Festivale, which is set to launch in spring 2027 from Port Canaveral.
The ship will introduce new onboard areas, such as music-themed venues and an outdoor family zone on the top three decks, named Sunsation Point, which will replace the Bolt rollercoaster. Additionally, it will have 1,000 interconnecting cabins, nearly 70% more than on the first three Excel class ships.
The fifth Excel-class ship will be named Carnival Tropicale, with the homeport and open for sale date to be unveiled ahead of the scheduled delivery of the ship in spring 2028.
It comes after the cruise line confirmed plans to launch the largest ships in the Carnival Corporation global fleet as part of a initiative named Project Ace.
Three ships will enter service in 2029, 2031 and 2033, respectively, with each carrying almost 8,000 passengers.
Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, said: “These ships clearly represent the next generation of ‘Fun’ ships. They will be experiences unto themselves, and, partnered with itineraries that call in part on our exclusive destinations, will provide amazing cruise holidays for guests.
“This class will introduce new dining outlets, entertainment and re-imagined outer deck amenities.”
In addition, Carnival Corporation’s collection of cruise destinations across the Caribbean and Mexico – used by many of its brands – are to be promoted as part of a Paradise Collection by Carnival.
This comprises Celebration Key, located in Grand Bahama and set to open on 19 July 2025, which will feature five portals, each with a different theme, including family-friendly activities and adult-only areas.
Enhancement work for the private island of RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay will be completed by the end of 2026 and includes the addition of a pier that can support Excel class and Project Ace ships.
In 2026, Mahogany Bay, in Roatan, Honduras, will be renamed Isla Tropicale. A pool with a swim up bar and new cabanas will be added and future enhancements will also include an expanded beach and a beach club.
Duffy added: “Since our inception in 1972, we have defined and led the modern cruise industry and our plans for the next five years and beyond are no different. The excitement and energy continue at Carnival. Having just integrated two ships into the Carnival fleet in Australia, we now stand at 29 ships, the largest global fleet in our history.”
